The Chronicles of Onyx Book One - Dawn of a Hero

Chapter Twenty

Her golden eyes bore into his, like a fire ablaze, they illuminated with anger and determination. The intensity of her gaze made Rok feel as if he could see the fierce resolve burning deep within her. He could sense that Onyx was no longer the same person who had been chained down by the Queen, beaten down to obey. The pain and betrayal had ignited a fire within her, and Rok could see that she would no longer allow herself to be bound by the painful chains of her past. No. She was only focusing on one thing now; her future and, above all, her freedom. And at that moment, Rok knew that he was witnessing a transformation. Onyx had always been strong, but now she had found a new strength born from the crucible of adversity. Her determination to challenge the Queen's control over her powers and her life was unwavering.

"I want to know what you are planning," Rok said at last, breaking the silence, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.

Onyx took a deep breath, her fiery gaze never leaving him. "I don't think it's safe for you to know," she replied, her voice strong and independent.

It irritated Rok that she was planning to do whatever she was going to do—alone. "Onyx," he said sternly, "You need help and I am more than willing to be just that, I am with you–if—you let me" he insisted, his voice determined to break through the wall of independence she had put up.

Onyx's golden eyes seemed to soften, their fierce blaze subsiding as she got up from her crouched position. He felt a mixture of relief and concern as he watched the transformation in her demeanor. It was like witnessing a storm receding, leaving behind a sense of calmness.

She walked over to the head of her bed, and Rok's eyes followed her every move. His heart skipped a beat when she grabbed her pillow and pulled out a dagger from within it. The sight of the weapon in her hand sent a shiver down his spine, and it made him wonder what she had in mind.

As she turned to face him, Rok felt a pang of worry, fearing that she might do something reckless or dangerous. He opened his mouth to say something, to ask her again what she was planning, but the words caught in his throat.

Onyx held the dagger firmly, her grip unwavering, and her golden eyes burned with determination. "Rok," she began, her voice steady and strong, "There is one thing I have done my whole life, and that's fighting. I won't stop now, especially when this is the moment I need to fight the most." She tossed the dagger at Rok's feet, a challenge in her gaze. "If you are truly with me, then show me."

-ooooo-

Rok walked hastily alongside Onyx, the both of them wearing black cloaks that concealed their identities in the darkness of the night. The castle walls loomed tall behind them as they navigated the castle grounds, Rok could feel the weight of the situation on his shoulders. He knew that what they were about to do could have severe consequences, both for themselves and for the kingdom.

Onyx's golden eyes gleamed with a fierce determination, a fiery energy emanating from her. Despite the dangers they faced, he could only admire her strength and bravery.

Onyx glanced at him, her gaze boring into his soul. "Are you ready?" she asked, her voice steady, not a single hint of fear.

Rok nodded, obedience firm in his eyes. "Yes," he replied, "I am about as ready as I'll ever be"

With a silent understanding, they separated, each venturing on their own path, their black cloaks blending into the shadows. Rok's heart raced as he moved stealthily through the castle grounds, his steps barely making a sound on the cold stone floor. His senses heightened, he navigated the darkness, avoiding any patrols or guards that might be lurking nearby.

As Rok emerged from the castle and stepped into the courtyard, the crisp night air sent a shiver down his spine. The moon cast an eerie glow over the grounds, but he remained hidden in the shadows, ever vigilant. His heart pounded in his chest, a mixture of excitement and trepidation filling him as he made his way to the stables.

In the darkness of the stable, he spotted the shapes of two horses, their gentle nickering's welcoming him. They seemed to sense the urgency in the air as they nuzzled against him, seeking comfort and reassurance. Rok whispered soothingly to them, his hand caressing their manes, as he quietly opened the stall doors.

With careful and practiced hands, he tacked up the horses, preparing them for the journey ahead. His mind was still swirling with doubts and uncertainties, but deep in his heart, he knew he had made the right choice.

Once the horses were ready, Rok led them out of the stable, despite their hooves hitting against the stone. They moved like shadows through the night, the darkness providing cover for their clandestine mission. They ventured toward the castle, awaiting for Onyx. However his mind was consumed with thoughts of her, her fierce determination, but also the fear that anything could happen.